Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel, Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel, today unveils Huihui, the iconic property’s new signature beachfront restaurant that pays homage to the longstanding tradition of Hawaiian wayfinding. Meaning “star constellation” or “to join, intermingle, mix,” the 5,000 square-foot culinary venue will serve as a gathering place for hotel guests and locals alike, providing a relaxed dining experience with unobstructed ocean views. Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel’s Executive Chef Tom Muromoto will remain at the helm of Huihui and present a fresh take on traditional Hawaiian cuisine and cooking methods. Huihui, and its casual poolside complement Welowelo, will open to the public on June 29, 2021.   “As a diver and a fisherman, I relish spending as much time as possible outdoors and along the beaches. My cooking, and thus the menu at Huihui, will be a reflection of the enduring Hawaiian connection between the land and the sea,” says Executive Chef Tom Muromoto. “We look forward to nourishing our guests, body and soul, with our modern fusion cuisine and spirited Hawaiian hospitality.”     In keeping with Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel’s long-standing culinary traditions, Huihui will focus on Hawaii regional cuisine, offering modern takes on classic island fare for all three meal periods. From microgreens and ʻulu to venison, chicken and open ocean fish, Huihui’s menu is representative of Hawaiian cuisine across land and sea and symbolizes the height of what the islands have to offer. A special ”ʻōlelo noʻeau” will be written atop each menu – unique for breakfast, lunch and dinner – introducing the inspiration and cohesion for that individual collection of dishes, setting the tone for the dining experience ahead.   In the morning, guests can savor a cup of Huihui’s signature coffee blend, specially crafted by neighboring artisan roaster Maui ‘Oma Coffee, while enjoying signature dishes such as Poi French Toast and Hikina (sunrise) Bowl with Cocoa chia pudding, granola, chunks of fresh niu (coconut) maiʻa (banana), macadamia nuts with additional seasonal fruits & berries, or the Huihui Breakfast, chefʻs twist on avocado toast using Makawao avocado, kāmano lomi (salted salmon with onion and tomato), pickled ogo (seaweed) and red onion with nīoi (Hawaiian chili pepper) sauce, all served alongside a collection of freshly baked breads and pastries prepared in-house. At lunchtime, dishes like the Molokai Venison Burger and a Poke Holokai, a seafarer’s poke with fresh ʻōpelu (mackerel), papaʻi (crab) and tobiko (fish roe), take center stage, complemented by fusion appetizers Short Rib Bao and Pepeiao (wood ear mushrooms) and Pork Dumplings.     As the sun begins to set, Huihui will offer Pau Hana in the lounge, with a selection of light bites served alongside the restaurant’s compelling collection of locally inspired cocktails, such as the Māmaki Old Fashioned, Lilikoʻi Mojito and Smoked Li Hing Margarita, and food-friendly wine list, which incorporates suggested menu pairings for each bottle. Dinner will showcase traditional Hawaiian cooking methods such as kōʻala (barbecue) preparations of New York steak and chicken, daily fresh catch in the lāwalu (wrapped in ti leaf and grilled) method, and Chef Muromoto’s signature Laulau with pork, chicken and cod steamed in lū’au (taro leaf). For dessert, diners will revel in sweet indulgences such as Poi Malasadas with house made macadamia nut ice cream or the delectable Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwich. From sunrise to sunset, Huihui will showcase Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel’s unparalleled commitment to community and Hawaiian culture. “As we look to revitalize Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel while retaining its warm and enduring soul, Huihui is emblematic of our devotion to our Hawaiian roots,” said General Manager Mike White. “We are eager to welcome travelers and locals to enjoy an authentically Hawaiian dining experience with compelling local cuisine, sweeping views of Kā‘anapali Beach and design inspired by the long-standing tradition of wayfinding. We believe that Huihui will further solidify our place as Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel.”  

Hōloi i ka Pōʻino o kaʻĀina Blessing

  In harmony with the hotel’s commitment to honoring Hawaiian culture, Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel held a pre-groundbreaking blessing of the land where Huihui now sits. Titled “Hōloi i ka Pōʻino o kaʻĀina” which translates to “Cleanse the Misfortune of the Land,” the spiritual ceremony was conducted by Kumu Kaponoʻai Molitau, with the intent of clearing the earth of any negative energy that may be exposed prior to construction.

Moanaku’inamoku Voyaging Academy

  The waterfront retreat will also function as a sailing academy dedicated to the ancient Hawaiian art of voyaging, featuring a space to house the hotels’ Hawaiian paddling and sailing canoes. Meaning “the ocean that connects islands together,” the new Moanaku’inamoku Voyaging Academy will provide a true, authentic experience of Hawaiian wayfinding for guests and community members.  

Welowelo

  Welowelo, Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel’s new poolside oasis, will serve comfortably approachable, kidfriendly cuisine in a laid-back setting by the pool. Meaning “shooting star,” Welowelo will be a casual, day-time counterpart for Huihui. The menu will feature dishes with local flair, such as the Hawaiian Bowl with puaʻa kālua (steamed, shredded pork), kāmano lomi (salted salmon, mixed with onions and tomato), cucumber, asian slaw, avocado and lime aioli served over white or brown rice, alongside more classic fare like pizzas, sandwiches and burgers. They will also offer frozen treats and chilled refreshments to help guests cool off as they soak in the Hawaiian sun.  

Kealaula Enhancement Project

  Huihui and the Moanaku’inamoku Voyaging Academy are just one component of phase one of Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel’s “Kealaula” Enhancement Project. Functioning more as a renewal rather than renovation, Kealaula signifies both the light of early sunrise and the glow of a warm sunset. At both times, the skies are engulfed in beautiful colors and mark the beginning and end of the day. This cyclical event drives the heart of the coming updates as the spirit of “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel” is celebrated and renewed.   Elemental to the $75 million first phase of this property wide renaissance, the hotel also added an additional level of parking and unveiled a significant redesign to the newly renamed Papakū South Wing and Kauhale Southeast Wing, courtesy of PhilPotts Interiors, in March 2021. Each guest room was refreshed and infused with new and modern design elements while still retaining a strong sense of Hawaiian culture, inspired by the kukui nut lei. Exuding an earthy feel with muted palettes, each enhanced room features employee made Makamae shadow boxes including mākau (fishhooks), lūhe‘e (octopus lure), lei kūpe‘e (nerite lei), lei pipipi (nerite lei) and mea kaua (weapons). The beloved, sweeping courtyard has also been refreshed to convey a sense of place with edible plants including maiʻa, ʻuala, ʻulu, kī leaves and more.

  After more than a year of pandemic lockdown, I felt a wave of relief as I stepped into the lobby of Kaanapali Beach Hotel. It was exactly as I remembered it: an old-school Hawaii classic featuring cultural artifacts and dozens of images of talented young hula dancers (winners of the hotel’s annual Hula O Na Keiki competition). But as I made my way through the property’s oceanfront courtyard to my room, it quickly became clear that much had in fact changed since my last visit to Maui.   Set along a 3-mile stretch of sand on the island’s west shore, Kaanapali Beach Hotel has long been billed as “Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel.” Year after year, travelers seeking an authentic Hawaiian experience have been drawn to the property to take part in cultural activities including outrigger canoe paddling, ukulele lessons and lei-making.   Kaanapali Beach Hotel has never been known for being especially fancy, but fresh off a $75 million, property-wide renovation, its 264 guestrooms in the Papaku South Wing (formerly known as the Kauai Wing) and the Kauhale Southeast Wing (formerly the Lanai Wing) have gone through a modern transformation, making them barely recognizable to even the most loyal repeat visitors.  

Renovated guestrooms are sleek and modern, but still have a strong sense of Hawaiian culture. Each room features employee-made makamae (precious gifts) shadow boxes that showcase traditional Hawaiian tools, such as makau (fish hooks), luhee (octopus lures) and upena (fishing nets). Framed vintage Hawaiian botanical prints add fun pops of color.   Hawaiian quilt-pattern bedspreads have been replaced with crisp, white linens on comfy king- and queen-size beds; bathrooms are well lit with both rainfall and handheld shower heads. My room in the property’s Papaku South Wing boasted glass sliding doors that opened to a balcony with stunning ocean views, a reminder to get outside and start exploring. (For clients who loved Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s accommodations just the way they were, 168 traditional guestrooms remain untouched, at least for now.)   Though the reimagined guestrooms are being celebrated, the new beachfront restaurant, Huihui, has the potential to be the star of the property’s reimagination. Set steps off the beach, it pairs unobstructed ocean views with a delicious and inventive new menu. Just opened on June 21, the restaurant offers seating for more than 300 people.   “We have an opportunity to take it to a new level that we never have before,” said Tom Muromoto, executive chef at Kaanapali Beach Hotel. “We’ve been waiting a long time to try and get out of the box.”   The eatery’s signature dish, Poke Holokai, includes fresh mackerel or tuna, crab, fish roe, mayonnaise, avocado, seaweed, wasabi and taro lavash. Inspired by the sails of a Hawaiian sailing canoe, its presentation is worthy of snapping a photo before diving in.  

  Huihui, meaning “star constellation” or “to join, intermingle, mix,” will do double duty as a sailing academy where both guests and local students can learn the traditions of Hawaiian voyaging and wayfinding. Space below the 5,000-square-foot venue will be used to house Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s three outrigger canoes.   While Huihui will offer a more formal dining experience, the casual new eatery Welowelo (shooting star) — just steps from the property’s much-loved, whale-shaped pool — also opened June 21, serving a variety of dishes ranging from Hawaiian favorite kamano lomi (salted salmon mixed with onions and tomato) to kid-friendly pizza and burgers.   Dozens of other dining and shopping options can be found at nearby Whalers Village, just a five-minute walk from the hotel.   For clients looking to spend as much time as possible in their swimsuits, the Hale Huakai water activities center boasts a knowledgeable staff focused on ocean safety and stewardship. When renting assorted water toys, such as stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling gear, and providing outrigger canoe paddle tours, the staff strives to teach guests about the Kaanapali Beach Resort area and the deep history it holds.   As of press time, guests arriving from outside the state of Hawaii are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test at check-in. Masks are required in all of the property’s public spaces, except when eating, drinking or in the pool.